Drug Addiction

Whenever the subject of drug addiction is discussed, one of the most frequently asked questions is why one person has become addicted and another has not. There is no easy answer and it can become even more perplexing when this scenario occurs in the same family.

What is known is that no one can point to just one thing and say, "That's what caused the drug addiction." That's because several factors are or can be involved.

The first is genetics. Again, they are not the sole reason for the problem; however, when coupled with environment or trauma-which can be physical, such as being the victim of a violent crime or child abuse or mental such as post-traumatic stress disorder, witnessing a violent crime or other factors-genetics can play a part. This is especially true if there are other family members, such as parents, siblings, or close relatives who have an addiction problem.

A second factor is environment. The influences and lifestyles to which a person was or has been exposed can also contribute to drug addiction. These can include such things as peer pressure, a person or family's socioeconomic status, whether or not parents took an active part in a person's life, and even whether or not he or his family practiced a religion. Again, none of these can be said to have caused the problem, but all taken together can contribute to it.

Maturity can actually have a role in whether or not drug addiction will occur, and this is especially true in adolescents. While it is true that some teenagers are more mature in some areas than others, the fact is that an adolescent's brain has not stopped growing, particularly those parts that are concerned with decision making and practicing good judgment and self-control. Many of them have an attitude that nothing will happen to them, which leads them to engage in risky behavior such as experimentation with drugs.

When all is said and done, however, the importance shifts (or should shift) from what caused the drug addiction to how can it be treated. This is where rehabilitation facilities which provide treatment can help. When looking for a drug rehab program, it should be kept in mind that treatment is not "one-size-fits-all." People react in different ways, and this holds true for drug treatment.

Another thing to look for when considering rehab programs is how quickly someone can begin treatment. Many publically-funded facilities have waiting lists; however, a person may not be able to afford a private place, even if it means treatment can start earlier. As little delay as possible should occur, however, before treatment begins.

During drug rehab, all aspects of a person's life should be addressed, not just the problem of drug addiction. It may not be readily clear if something could have occurred or happened that may have played a defining role in the problem. Determining if this might be the case can go a long way in ensuring that the program chosen will be successful.

And, just as a person did not become addicted overnight, so, too will rehabilitation not be quickly accomplished. Persons entering into rehab programs should be encouraged to stay for as long as is necessary for the treatment to be effective.